(CNN) - Rick Santorum on Friday said he would never vote for President Barack Obama after he made controversial remarks Thursday suggesting the president's re-election might be better than electing GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney, who he said does not represent a clear contrast.

"I would never vote for Barack Obama over any Republican and to suggest otherwise is preposterous," Santourm said in a statement. "I was simply making the point that there is a huge enthusiasm gap around Mitt Romney and it's easy to see why – Romney has sided with Obama on healthcare mandates, cap-and-trade, and the Wall Street bailouts."– Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker

Santorum's comments followed those from his Press Secretary Alice Stewart, who compared the visions of Romney and Obama and said Santorum would back the eventual GOP nominee.

"What we need in order for the GOP to win is we need to have a choice. We need to see a clear vision that is different from what we currently have," Stewart said Friday on CNN's "Starting Point." "And with Mitt Romney it's the same vision, and it's one that's not the right direction for this country. And he was worried that voters would have that feeling."

At an event in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, Santorum said "You win by giving people the opportunity to see a different vision for our country not someone who is just going to be a little different than the person in there."

"If they're going to be a little different we may as well stay with what we have instead of taking a risk in what may be the Etch A Sketch candidate for the future," he added.

Romney and Gingrich quickly capitalized on the remark. Rich Beeson, Romney's political director, said Santorum is "becoming the most valuable player on President Obama's team."

At an event in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Thursday night, Gingrich said "There is no doubt in my mind that if the choice is Gov. Romney or Barack Obama we would have no choice."

But Santorum said criticism from Team Romney is another attempt to "distort and distract the media and voters for the unshakeable fact that many of Romney's policies mirror Barack Obama's."